TSA tests bomb-sniffing dogs in a select few airports

By Craig Hlavaty |
July 4, 2013

MIAMI, FL - MAY 03: TSA k9 Inspector Shawn Hurley works with Lewie to screen passengers at Miami International Airport on May 3, 2013 in Miami, Florida. The program already in place at three other airports in the nation uses behavior Detection Officers working together with the k9s to do real time threat assessments and direct additional passengers to the TSA expedited screening lanes. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

MIAMI, FL - MAY 03: TSA k9 Inspector Shawn Hurley works with Lewie to screen passengers at Miami International Airport on May 3, 2013 in Miami, Florida. The program already in place at three other airports in the nation uses behavior Detection Officers working together with the k9s to do real time threat assessments and direct additional passengers to the TSA expedited screening lanes. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The TSA is currently testing the use of explosive-sniffing canines in a handful of U.S. airports, including Honolulu, Tampa and Indianapolis. And the agency recently added Chicago, Denver and Washington's Dulles Airport to its roster of testing sites.

According to a TSA statement, "the agency is evaluating the use of canines and behavior detection to conduct 'real time' threat assessments in an effort to improve security, efficiency and the passenger experience.”

Carrie Harmon, a TSA regional public affairs manager based in Denver, says that at this time Bush Intercontinental and Hobby Airport are not on tap to be TSA canine testing sites. Neither are other major airports in Texas.

The passenger-screening canines (PSCs) are sniffing for explosive odors on passengers.

Labrador retrievers, Vizslas, German shepherds and Belgian malinois are the breeds being utilized by the TSA.